Split-thickness autogenous skin transplantation in the horse.

This research article is about a study in which split-thickness autogenous skin transplantation was used to treat limb wounds on horses, resulting in satisfactory wound healing and cosmetic results.

Research Purpose and Methodology

• The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of single or multiple split-thickness autogenous skin transplants in healing quarter wounds in horses.
• A total of 20 limb wounds on 17 horses were included in this study. These wounds varied in size from 25 square centimeters to 200 square centimeters.
• An electric dermatome was used to collect grafts 0.635-mm thick. To increase the surface area of the grafts, a mesh dermatome was employed.

Study Application and Results

• The grafts were applied to the wounds either directly after the injury (in 3 cases) or after a bed of granulation tissue had formed (in 14 cases).
• The grafts were secured to the recipient sites using sutures and a specially designed dressing, or the dressing alone. Additional protection was provided using a plaster cast or bulky cotton dressing.
• The acceptance rate of the grafts varied from 50% to 100%, averaging 88% overall.
• In most cases, epithelialization or skin formation was complete after 14 to 21 days.
• Wounds with a graft acceptance greater than 60% resulted in what was considered a cosmetically acceptable healed wound.

Conclusion of the Research

• Based on the findings, the researchers concluded that split-thickness autogenous skin transplantation technique was effective in treating limb wounds in horses.
• They further noted that this technique resulted in satisfactory wound healing and cosmetic outcome.